Unwrap La Grange for A Hometown Holiday
Buy At Local Businesses and You Get a Present Too!
The Village of La Grange & The La Grange Business Association want you to Shop Local This Holiday!
LA GRANGE, Ill., Nov. 10, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- The excitement of the holiday shopping season is fast approaching and small businesses are gearing up for a busy fourth quarter! This season, the Village of La Grange and the La Grange Business Association are partnering to expand your Hometown Holiday experience and to encourage residents and visitors to shop local.
"It is critical to maintain the vitality of our Village and encourage residents to shop local," said Village of La Grange president Tom Livingston. "The more money spent at our small businesses, the additional dollars flow back into our community in the form of payroll, taxes, jobs, roads and so much more."
The recirculation of revenue from independently owned stores versus national chain stores is immense. According to a 2012 Civics Economic Survey on Independent businesses in Six Corners Chicago, local businesses returned 70% of revenue back into the community.*
How the "Unwrap La Grange for a Hometown Holiday" Shopping Campaign Works
This year's campaign will feature a unique marketing aspect to encourage residents to support local businesses. The "Unwrap La Grange for a Hometown Holiday" program encourages shoppers to build a relationship with La Grange businesses during the holiday season and helps to drive traffic beyond January 1, 2015. Shoppers are encouraged to spend $300 with retailers in the Village of La Grange.
Beginning November 29, the first 100 patrons to turn in original receipts ($20 minimum) from at least three different La Grange businesses totaling more than $300 will receive LGBA gift certificates valued at $30. Receipts can be turned in at Village Hall or online at www.lgba.com. Gift certificates will be given to shoppers after January 15, 2015 at the Village Hall. Patrons beyond the first 100 entrants that successfully meet the criteria will be entered in a special Unwrap La Grange for a Hometown Holiday drawing. Drawing winners will be selected on January 15, 2015 and winners will be notified by mail.
A 2013 national survey of independent business owners conducted by the Institute for Local Self-Reliance in partnership with the Advocates for Independent Business coalition has found that Local First initiatives are boosting customer traffic by up to 7% in communities with a shop local initiative.**
"The LGBA really wants to help drive traffic to our businesses through the holidays and beyond. We want visitors to experience the holidays – instead of just survive them – by shopping in our very unique boutiques, enjoying incredible dishes or sipping wine in front of a fireplace," said Steve Jasinski, president of the La Grange Business Association. "We want visitors and residents to realize that just minutes outside the city, you can do all your holiday shopping in a festive, small-town atmosphere without having to trek through the chaos of a regional mall."
That festive atmosphere kicks off on November 29th with Small Business Saturday, where businesses will have special offerings and treats in their shops and establishments. And the hallmark of Unwrap La Grange for a Hometown Holiday is December 6th, 2014. Join us as we celebrate the magic of the season when Santa arrives by fire truck to light the giant Christmas tree in front of Village Hall. Hop aboard a trolley - they're all FREE and take a ride around the village to all of the FREE parking areas!
"It's exciting to see communities like La Grange embrace Small Business Saturday and make the day a true celebration," said Nicole Leinbach-Reyhle, Small Business Saturday spokesperson. "The day is a great opportunity to bring people together to support the businesses in their neighborhoods and kick-off the busy holiday shopping season."
| The Unwrap La Grange for a Hometown Holiday Schedule |
|
| Saturday, December 6, 2014 |
|
| 3:00 PM |
Free holiday matinee at La Grange Theatre |
| 4:45 PM |
All Village Sing with Lyons Township High School Madrigal Choir |
| 5:00 PM |
Petting Zoo, Pony Rides, Kiddie Train and Trolley Rides begin |
| 5:00 PM |
Festive merchant open houses until 9PM |
| 5:30 PM |
Santa arrives to Village Hall by fire truck |
| 6- 8 PM |
Visits with Santa at Village Hall |
| 6:30 PM |
Live Ice Sculpting Demonstration begins |
The Unwrap La Grange for a Hometown Holiday program is available in the Village of La Grange from November 29 – December 31, 2014.
About The Village of La Grange
The Village of La Grange was incorporated in 1879 and according to the latest Census has 15,608 residents. The Village's business base made up primarily of smaller businesses that provide friendly, personalized service and quality merchandise. In recent years, many dining establishments have chosen to locate in La Grange creating a distinct niche or "restaurant row" for the Village. The business community is an active participant in enhancing the vibrancy of the downtown area by maintaining attractive storefronts and by sponsoring the various annual community events such as the Pet Parade, the holiday walk and an arts festival. For more information go to http://www.villageoflagrange.com.
About La Grange Business Association
The La Grange Business Association is a consortium of 225 businesses, services and non-profit organizations that strive to energize and enhance the local business climate through events, networking and advocacy. For more information go to http://www.lgba.com.
* http://www.eatdrinkbuylocal.org/why-local/
** http://www.ilsr.org/2014-survey/.
CONTACT:
Lisa Ripson
Ripson Communications
[email protected]
(312) 952-7394 (m)
Twitter: @LisaRipson
Chris Comes
Ripson Communications
[email protected]
(312) 282-0539 (m)
Twitter: @ChrisComes
SOURCE Village of La Grange; La Grange Business Association
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